Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s repeated failure to pay the promised N77,000 monthly allowance. Despite an earlier approval for the increase from N33,000 to N77,000, effective from July 2024, corps members are still receiving only N33,000, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
In 2024, the Nigerian government announced an increase in the monthly stipend for NYSC members, moving from N33,000 to N77,000. The hike was seen as a much-needed adjustment given the rising cost of living and inflation in the country. However, despite the approval and promises, the increase has not materialized, and many corps’ members are still waiting for the promised funds.
The Federal Government’s failure to fulfil this promise has left corps members disappointed and frustrated. Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, Director-General of the NYSC, had initially assured that the new allowance would be paid by February 2025. However, findings by Sunday PUNCH show that the NYSC has not started distributing the new allowance as of the end of February.
In fact, many corps members have confirmed that they were only given N33,000 for their February allowance, rather than the N77,000 they were promised. This has sparked widespread discontent among them, especially as they face rising living costs.
A corps member serving in Abia State, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized the government for its lack of sincerity. “The N33,000 is not enough for us. The place where we are posted doesn’t provide accommodation; we have to pay for that ourselves. The economic situation is not new to anyone. Feeding is another issue in an unfamiliar place. It’s nearly impossible to survive on N33,000 a month,” she said.
The situation is dire for many corps members, who report struggling to survive on the current allowance. Some, like the corps member in Abia, also receive minimal payments from their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), further adding to their financial strain. “Some PPAs pay as little as N4,000. Imagine surviving on N37,000 a month when you add that,” she continued.
According to another corps member serving in Osun, the N33,000 allowance is simply not enough to cover basic living expenses. “I spend more than N70,000 a month. My transportation alone costs over N12,000, excluding the days I go for Community Development Service (CDS). I had to ask my mother for support because this allowance is not enough,” she shared.
Another corps member in Lagos echoed similar concerns. “I don’t know how they expect us to survive on N33,000 when there is so much hardship. They keep promising the N77,000, yet we have not seen anything,” she said.
The economic conditions in Nigeria have worsened in recent years, with inflation rates hitting record highs. The prices of food, transportation, and basic necessities have become unaffordable for many Nigerians, including those serving in the NYSC. The average monthly allowance of N33,000 is now far below the cost of living, leaving corps members struggling to meet their needs.
With inflation pushing up the price of everyday items, young Nigerians who are already facing financial instability find it harder to make ends meet while completing their mandatory year of national service. For many, the financial challenges of serving as a corps member are compounded by a lack of adequate housing and the inability to rely on their PPAs for consistent support.
Carol Embu, the Director of Communication at NYSC, has not yet responded to the allegations. However, a senior NYSC official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the promised N77,000 allowance had not yet been paid. “We are yet to start payment for the new allowance,” he said, adding to the frustration already felt by corps members.
Many young Nigerians are expressing concern that without the promised increase in allowance, they will continue to face hardship and struggle to complete their service year. As one corps member put it, “We are being left behind. The government needs to do something and pay us what we deserve.”
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme has long been an important part of Nigeria’s development strategy, helping to foster unity and national cohesion. However, with the current financial pressures faced by young Nigerians, many are questioning whether the NYSC remains a viable and supportive programme.
